Lots of homeowners testified in front of the committee and told the committee members about their serious problems – more or less the same kind of stories homeowners are telling legislators since twenty-four (24) years. It seems that only the names of associations, attorneys and community association managers are changing.

And it was very interesting to hear that quite a few of the committee members spoke out in favor of the bill, stating that homeowners’ association problems are among the biggest complaints they hear from their constituents.

Actually we only heard two people speaking out opposing the bill – and guess what: Both are attorneys! In all reality they were opposing the bill obviously afraid that enacting provisions of the bill would lower their income – or that of their colleagues. Since there is in the moment no government enforcement of the HOA ACT (FS 720), any problem in these communities can only be solved by litigation.

I found especially the arguments we heard from Representative Gottlieb, one of the committee members, pretty offensive. Considering the fact that he represents part of Broward County – a county with most likely the most community association problems here in Florida – it sounded to me like he was not representing the interests of his constituents, but more so the interests of his profession.

This is a copy of the e-mail I sent to Representative Gottlieb after HB 657 was favorably voted out of committee with a vote of 14-1. The one NAY vote came from Representative Gottlieb – and that says it all.